Northampton Borough Council

Northampton LGBT & Q People’s Forum

Tuesday 21st May 2013 at the Guildhall, Northampton 6:30pm

1. WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION

Everyone introduced themselves, including Anna King, Co-Chair of the Forum

Joe Biskupski from Northampton Borough Council was in attendance, and prepared the notes of this meeting.

2. APOLOGIES

Apologies were received from Barry Hansford, Co-Chair of the Forum.

3. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING AND MATTERS ARISING

The minutes of the previous meeting of the LGBTQ Forum held on 12th March 2013 were agreed but noted the incorrect spelling of Stephen.

4. MATTERS ARISING NOT ALREADY ON THE AGENDA

 Add Hate Crime Unit to email group

 Forum Facebook page needs to be regularly updated

5. NHS HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION TRUST (John Leivers)

 John Leivers (JL) introduced himself as the LGBTQ champion and equalities co- ordinator at NHFT.

 JL said that there is a need to fully reflect LGBTQ issues within the health service, ensuring that equality and inclusion run throughout the service. Need to ensure that equalities are mainstreamed within the organisation and that staff are sensitive to diversity issues.

 It is important that the information given out by the NHS providers need to reflect the diversity of users.

 NHS NHFT organises a range of consultations, such as “Out There” with young people. There are also equality and inclusion noticeboards, providing information and promotion of health initiatives. A range of appropriate consultation methods can be used. This could include video conferencing, for example.

 There is a range of networks across NHFT, including an LGBTQ and a disability network, Equality Champions and a BME development group. However, JL added that a physical group is not always necessary, and sometimes, a virtual network can be effective. 1

 It is important to recognise that health issues for gay people are not just about sexual health. There are other health issues, such as depression. Issues facing LGBTQ people need to be mainstreamed into the work of the organisation.

 John Leivers said that he would like to be added to the distribution database for details of LGBTQ Forum meetings.

6. NORTHAMPTON CARNIVAL

 Northampton Carnival is due to take place on 8 June, starting from Asda in and finishing at the Rec.

 For the first time, there will be a LGBTQ Float. The theme is „carnival safari‟, based on penguins from New York.

 The LGBTQ Float will have local musician Benjamin Johnson followed by members of LGBTQ organisations dressed as penguins.

 At the end of the procession, members of the LGBTQ Forum will be at Far Cotton Rec, promoting the work of the Forum.

7. NORTHAMPTON PRIDE UPDATE

 A constitution has been written. However, a committee needs to be established which includes a treasurer and secretary. This is an essential first step if grant funding is to be obtained. A team needs to be developed to support Stephen.

 Anna King suggested that perhaps the LGBTQ Carnival team could form the nucleus of a Pride group.

 John Leivers said that an electronic newsletter is being published by NHFT on Friday. Could put in an advertisement for a Carnival and Pride Team.

8. FOLLOW UP PLANNING

 Consideration of “International Coming Out Day”.

 17th September – Hate Crime theme

 Logo competition – AK to contact NBC communications team to discuss competition.

9. COMMUNITY INFORMATION EXCHANGE

 Matthew – Book–fest is going ahead on 14 and 15 September. It is going independent this year. A grant of £3,000 has recently been received from Northamptonshire Community Foundation. In addition, an application has been made for funding from Awards for All. This year, the event is scheduled to take place at the Royal and Derngate. The date is also the date of the Heritage Open Day weekend; this needs to be promoted in Guildhall. Looking to get around 30 writers involved this year (around 20 last year).

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 Matthew: Northampton Volunteering Centre is one of the partners to deliver an HIV prevention campaign (“It Starts With Me – HIV Prevention Explained”).

 Matthew: FAN will be doing a marquee at the Umbrella Fair (Community Marquee)

 Ben: Trying to get information to LGBTQ colleagues about events for LGBTQ people in Northampton.

 Ben: Just taken on a LGBTQ Officer at Unison at Northamptonshire County Council, hoping to raise awareness of LGBTQ issues amongst staff.

 Black Pride in London 24th July.

 Birmingham Pride on Saturday 25th May.

 Stephen would like Northampton to have a professional LGBTQ website for the town, as at the moment LGBTQ web presence is fragmented.

 Rob: Louisa has received only one reply to questionnaire on LGBTQ etc. She will resend the questionnaire.

The meeting closed at 8:08

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